1996 Mercedes Benz E Class
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 38 |
| 1995 | 21 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 45 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2008 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 16 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front and coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 1996 MERCEDES E300D AND RECENTLY I LEARNED FROM AN INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD ABOUT A SAFETY DEFECT ON THIS CHASSIS INVOLVING THE FRONT SUSPENSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050614
RIGHT FRONT SPRING PERCH MOUNT BROKE ON MY 1996 E300D MERCEDES WHILE BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. VEHICLE GAVE NO FOREWARNING SIGNS, AND HAD IN-FACT JUST BEEN SERVICED WEEK PRIOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050520
6 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ABNORMALITIES, I EXAMINED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES, LOOKS AS NEW. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THE WIRING AT THE GLOW PLUG RELAY WAS DETERIORATED AND BARE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120326
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and POWER TRAIN
3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
1996 MERCEDES-BENZ STALLS OUT.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *JB *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20031011
1 of 16 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990110
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE DRIVE BELT PULLEY ON THE ENGINE CAN DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE METAL AND BREAK. IF THE DRIVE PULLEY BREAKS, THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE ENGINE COOLING, BATTERY CHARGING, AND/OR POWER STEERING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 96V058000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V058000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.